As far as proper family SUVs go, it’s hard to dispute the CR-V’s ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ proposition. It’s spacious and practical in all the right ways, and for the first time ever, it comes with a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine that’s more powerful and efficient at the same time. Of course, we had to pick the range-topping 1.5TC Premium 2WD with Honda Sensing, because safety mustn’t be compromised. With a price tag of RM158k (without GST), it is the costliest model in this line-up.

The Mazda CX-5 is largely viewed as the young man’s alternative to the CR-V. Not only is it a sleek looker, it drives like a hatchback and, with this 2.2 litre turbodiesel engine, packs the biggest punch here. Being an oil burner, it’s also the most fuel efficient SUV on paper, and this 2WD model retails for RM156k. So, just how big of a fight can this second-generation model put up against the venerable CR-V?

Last but not least, the Peugeot 3008. Yes, we could’ve gone with the Volkswagen Tiguan, but if you’re in the market for a left-field option, the French offering is definitely the most standout candidate. With a peppy 1.6 litre THP engine and a six-speed automatic, it’s certainly no slouch. At RM147k, it’s the most affordable car of the lot, but is it all style and no substance? More importantly, does it have what it takes to be the best?

Everything you ever need to know about these three SUVs will be answered in this video. Don’t forget, with GST now being zero-rated and Raya just around the corner, there’s perhaps no better time to buy that new car. Speaking of timing, how did we do with this episode? ;)

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

Excuse me? We exposed every single one of the CR-V’s shortcomings in this video.

Overall though, the CR-V’s ease of drive, smooth transmission, comfortable ride and good stability, excellent practicality and additional features (powered tailgate, full-size spare tyre, Adaptive Cruise Control) ALL count for a lot for what is primarily a family-oriented SUV. And we did say if you really don’t mind having less space, the CX-5 is a good option. For the average familyman, however, the Honda still gets our top pick.

CRV is really small by comparison. Have sat it one and must say that even the front passenger seat is not that comfy on top of the short legroom (unless i want the poor fella sitting at the back to suffer

1. I watched the entire video and I insist you should have compared with the VW Tiguan which would have had a chance at 2nd place over the ridiculous french car which nobody would actually want to buy.

2. I like the drone shots, especially used for the GTA 5 inspired transitions between presenters.

3. I still don’t understand why I see more of the new Mazda on the road compared to the Honda despite the former being less practical with lesser features and arguably much uglier. The previous gen CX5 was much better looking.

4. I would love to see a review of the Toyota Fortuner vs it’s immediate rivals.

The Fortuner is trash, just like the HiLux on which it’s based. The CX-5 drives better than the CR-V and it actually moves as well. I can’t speak for Malaysian specs because I don’t live here, but where I live, the CX-5 outsells the CR-V by a big margin. Styling is a completely personal thing – you don’t like it but obviously people do, which puts you in the minority. A ridiculous French car? You’ve obviously not sat in a new 3008, which offers the best quality in that segment (not sure what it’s called in Malaysia but it’s medium SUVs here) and the cabin design is far more stylish than the CR-V and Tiguan. The Tiguan is a good car (sorry that’s it’s 1.4 turbo petrol only in Malay) let down by its oddly un-Volkswagen interior (cheap feeling). It’s definitely a more practical car than any of this trio though! Huge bootspace.

Good to see you guys making a point about safety – something that a lot of manufacturers seem to forget about in such countries. Here in Australia, autonomous emergency braking is a necessary feature to earn a five-star safety rating – if you can bags an imported Australian-spec car in Malaysia, do it. That poor car though….

Disagree. A car is not only about driving good. It is the whole package and traditions etc. In Malaysia crv ticks all the boxes. Peugeot has poor reputation in Malaysia because reliability issues. That’s all.

How about tucson 1.6 turbo petrol 190hp 265nm or the sportage 2.0 turbo diesel 185hp 400nm? These two suv have good nvh and with the diesel option not only lesser roadrax than the 2.2 diesel mazda but produces more power too

by the time boyue came, those model already change their new model.. i just don’t understand why proton need to took so long just on the logo or maybe some miner change on the bumper only.. no wonder proton keep fall…

CX5 and CRV are only 1 year into the market by the time Proton SUV comes out in Q4, there will be no changes to them whatsoever. Not to mention we get the updated model with new features and not the pre facelift version previewed last year.

Since Boyue doesn’t have a RHD version ready, they need at least 2 months for a complete conversion. As well, suspension tuning is unique to our market which takes time to implement.

It’s not merely a badge swap and cosmetic redesign, it’s a slight re-engineering of the model as well.

The moment i heard mazda at second place, i close the video. But truth hurts, malaysian prefer practicality and value. Especially for growing family numbers. You can’t resist if you wive told you “mahal la bang”. If you don’t mine with THULE on top of your car, then you can get the best drivability from Mazda. That 420Nm is a killer.

The review doesn’t justify reality. After all journos are not like our average daily drivers. They’re too picky on the specs but the ride is what matters. I admit I’m a hardcore Honda fan but Mazda should have won. I’ve driven my friends CX-5 for a day they are just as good.

Say what the reviews can, but in klang valley CX-5 is king. I’m a full time Grab driver and been seeing them EVERYWHERE especially that special cherry red color. I’ve seen more Mazda SUVs than CR-V ratio by 4:1. Heck yesterday alone I saw more than 7 new CX-5s with additional 2 unregistered driving along KESAS with trading plates. The old CR-V is also more on the road than the latest model.

CRV no 1 because it’s bigger and has more holes for your keys and handbags? Lol. I saw all review around the world even Europeans and Australian big size ppl still prefer CX5 over CRV. Come on guys CX5 was in top 3 World Car of the Year and CRV was not even nominated at all.

I’ve tested the CRV and found it had narrow seat bases for the rear. This would make it uncomfortable for long journeys due to inadequate thigh support. And the salesgirl said the seats cannot be adjusted.

The CX5 is a sure win for me (Honda is too flimsy and anime while the Peugeot will spend most of its time in the workshop), however its rear seats are, mind bogglingly, designed for TWO! What?!? For an exterior THAT big, it’s a design mismatch. Too bad really ‘coz its the only diesel here (win) and interior design & quality are much desired (win). So at the end, the Tiguan is the real winner here.

Dear hafriz, for me i much prefer to have the cruise control button on the stalk as what u have in the 3008. Once u get used to it, i’m sure u are going to appreciate it. This is because i find it a bit difficult to operate the cruise control button on the steering wheel especially while u are turning the steering wheel. That just my 2 cents

Reminds me a moment when i have nice conversation with SA of Peugeot Glenmarie. He went for training arranged by Company and discussing about why they design the car in such a way. Peugeot philosophy is to create driving environment where driver can keep focus on driving.

That’s why most their car such as old 3008 steering is clean. The best part is when I say to him if i want to turn on the cruising, i should release my hand from the steering. There is a pause and calm moment of silence while hearing somebody slurping hot teh tarik. At this moment in my opinion, keep hands on the steering is more important for safety reason, except need to change lane.

Agreed. once U get used with the cruise control.. U never need to look at it. i love the one in my 5008 MPV. but the reliabilty and not proven durability in hot climate is a serious concern for long term possession.

Often we heard the quicker the car the higher the torque which is actually the case in the real world..like the torque of this car is much higher than that car..etc but how much torque we do really need? Though I’m no car expert, but torque directly relate/proportionate to engine output in CC will help to make more sense to the man on the street I believe. You see on the normal aspirated car say 1600cc, the torque quoted is no more than 160NM or Max 160NM. This gives an indication 160NM is equivalent to 1600cc. So for Mazda CX5 whose torque is 420NM, this literally means its engine output is 4200cc(!) which make sense. Hope this will help. Cheers

3008 ftw. Best refinement, best quality and best looking. quite practical too!

Reliability? Aisin 6-speed and 1.6THP is by far the oldest tech here. I’m sure any manufacturer would have ironed out issues by now.

With that said, my own 2011/2012 Peugeot 3008 is working just fine till today. only gripe i have is the slow service centre. I have to wait 2 weeks just to schedule an appointment. and bloody months to get my cooling coil replaced. it doesn’t go to the workshop often like many might think, but once it does, it’s their service that sucks actually.

Seriously Peugeot, good car with bad SC is like having a sexy girlfriend but with bad attitude. Fix your damn service quality lah.

CRV is ugly, noisy and boring but comes in 1st place. If size matters then get a lorry . I would pick the CX5 anytime over CRV. The 3008 is a nice looking SUV but problem with French cars is reliability and lack of competence service for the cars. Toyota CH-R may be overpriced but is still a good option to be considered too.

Alright, so the CR-V won. But that is mainly because of it’s practicality advantage over the other two. But how about if practicality isn’t everything? See, whatever C-Segment SUV on offer is more than practical enough. Yes, these are family cars, but how about a family who is not looking for merely practicality? In that sense, the CR-V lags way behind the other two. The subpar isolation, the laggy engine, the ugly design (subjective), the bad FC, etc. If that’s the case, then what is the best choice?

Also, what is the best compact premium SUV on the market? (not more than 250k)

You joking about cx-5 RV? The very
cheapest on mudah now is rm70k, that’s damn good for a 6 year old car. At this price, i struggle to build a case for it, there’s cheaper better option elsewhere in used market.

A 2012 cr-v goes for about rm50k, much better proposition. Much more spacious, practical than stupidly cramped mazda, simpler powertrain too, should be easier to maintain vs skyactiv powertrain pricier but better fc, but not rm20k better fc to justify it over the honda.

Only thing is just check that the honda had its takata airbags replaced. Well, the govt will make sure you get it changed anyway, so no biggie.

Normally when going with the heart the Conti will win. But our cars are expensive, not many afford to change car frequently, so the cost of ownership and reliability become important criteria.
– 3008: Very sexy and nice design, overall good refinement and drive well but known to be problematic.
– Tiguan: Powerful, smooth drive with good NVH. Practicality is good. Main concern on reliability and after sales service.
– CRV: More handsome design, huge interior, good features, good reliability and cost of ownership. However, seriously lacking refinement, bad NVH, luxury look but cheap feel.
– CX5: Nice and sharp design, luxury & quality interior, best in class refinement & NVH, nice to drive yet with good comfort. Only lacking is interior space but not a major issue.
So the SUV that provide a balance between the Jap reliability and the conti refinement & quality is the CX5, unless you can’t live without the space of the CRV, the CX5 is the way to go.

C’mon be more professional guys…don’t biase when making such reviews…
Nothing compares when its comes with european technology…far beyond advance then the two…a copycat version of volvos’ n bimmers’…turbocharger were introduced years back then in europe…be more proffesional n be more artistic guys…r.i.p

I am a peugeot 308 owner here. To be honest, my car never stay in workshop ad mentioned by “expert” here. I am wondering they own one befire or again dengar cakap saja. Within warranty, my car has no issue. After warranty, service outside with no parts waiting issue. But can not deny wear n tare is expensive. But do you think maintaining bmw n merz is cheap? For me, Peugeot is more reliable than VW!

You’re a rare exception. There is no smoke with no fire. People complaint Peug lousy reliability is not fake news.

Dealership commitment also plays a huge role. Naza is typical talentless crony. They don’t have the commitment and passion for their brands. They only know how to sell because it’s a no brainer, but to take care of after sales requires passion and commitment into the business, it’s also far less profitable too.

I think Paultan has really lost a lot of credibility with such reviews.

Still cant understand how you guys could conclude with a winner that is not the nicest looking, underpowered, not efficient, worst quality, worst handling, worst noise insulation, but just by being slightly bigger in room and cargo space.

All was being said in the video of the CRV was “its better than the old CRV”. Seriously, how can you then conclude its the best among the 3?

Looks is of course, subjective. As for being underpowered, the CR-V is actually rather fast for its size – feeling lethargic compared to the CX-5 doesn’t mean it’s slow, it’s just slower than than the outstanding CX-5 diesel. Plus the CVT is great, paired with the turbo engine.

It also has the best low-speed ride of the group here, and saying “worst in group” for a few other things isn’t the same as saying it’s bad. Yes, the refinement really is sub-par, but everything else is decent or good, just that against great competition, not class leading.

Overall though, the CR-V’s ease of drive, smooth transmission, comfortable ride and good stability, excellent practicality and additional features (powered tailgate, full-size spare tyre, Adaptive Cruise Control) ALL count for a lot for what is primarily a family-oriented SUV. And we did say if you really don’t mind having less space, the CX-5 is a good option. For the average familyman, however, the Honda still gets our top pick.

The smooth transmission should be from the CVT, but many peoples don’t like CVT, how is CRV transmission compared to the CX5 normal 6 speed AT and the DSG from Tiguan? Comfortable ride is questionable, CRV has got one of the hardest seats, bad for long distance travel, soft suspension maybe. Additional features (powered tailgate, Adaptive Cruise Control) are only for the most expensive TCP model.

Additional features based on the three variants that we chose here, i.e. the top variants of their respective ranges in our view.

CVTs are getting a lot of flak, yes, which is not entirely unfair. The CVT in the CR-V however, is one of the better ones – natural/direct and quick respond. I personally rate it higher than the CX-5’s six-speeder (still a little lazy, would be called out if not for the turbodiesel’s low-end torque) and Tiguan’s DSG (still clunky at low speeds/traffic creep).

Seat comfort is subjective, obviously. Some may prefer harder cushion, others don’t. Again me I like the 3008’s seats the most (both front and rear), and I didn’t find the CR-V’s seats to be particularly uncomfortable either. And we did do a lot of long distance journeys (as drivers and passengers) while testing and shooting.

>”but many peoples don’t like CVT”
> Honda pecah sales record, new models all have CVT

Kek. Step outside of your reality distortion bubble, and see that most people out there are car noob, they dunno what is CVT, direct injection, torque converter etc.

Even so, it’s easy to like Honda’s 1.5L N/A or turbo + CVT powertrain. For most of these car noob, a gentle tap to just 1.5k rpm is all you need to move around in urban condition. 110kph cruise at mere 2k rpm and a bit. Low rev = low noise = relaxed driving = low fc

Think a few times before booking in any Mazda outlet. The terms and promotion promised when booking the car may not be the same as terms upon delivery. I a booked a Mazda CX-5 before 9 May 2018 and was offered a RM3500 rebate. However when the Zero GST was announced, Mazda pulled back the initial rebate and asked me to be happy with savings i am getting from the GST reduction. I think this is a very unethical business practice from Mazda. It is shameful that a good car is being sold by an unscrupulous sales team. I would give thumbs up to the Toyota and Honda sales team anytime when it comes to service.

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